Duns swimming pool efforts recognised

The Sports Trust responsible for the upgrading of Duns swimming pool has been nominated for a national charity award.

Berwickshire Recreation Education Sports Trust (BREST) has been recognised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) in their annual Scottish Charity awards.

The organisation has been shortlisted for a Community Action award in recognition of its efforts to save Duns swimming pool. Local residents took over its management in 1997 and have built it into an important community hub dedicated to improving local health and employment prospects.

Rosalyn Gresham, a trust Director, said: “It’s the realisation of a dream.

“We set out with the intention of securing the future of the pool for the people of Duns, and we’ve done that.

“Now, we are relatively stable, and have ensured a first-class facility for Duns.”

Martin Sime, Chief Executive of SCVO said: “The excellent quality of entries this year made for a difficult shortlisting process but it demonstrates the dedication of people working and volunteering in third sector organisations across the length and breadth of Scotland.

“These people relentlessly go above and beyond the call of duty and make a huge difference to our communities. The Scottish Charity Awards recognise the huge effort that takes.”

This year’s awards also see shortlisted entries compete in a People’s Choice Award which will be decided by online voting.